Africa » MTN Africa Cup of Nations (10-31 jan 2010)

[Youssef]

Originally Posted by Charlie Wong

That referee was ******* clueless, dont think he knew the rules did he?

I hope you are nor referring to that penalty kick execution. If that's teh case, I refer you to John Aldridge

[the mighty rams]

Well Youssef...i hope they prove that in the final against Ghana because i backed them before the start at 9/1. But unfortunatly nothings a cert in football. I've been very impressed with Egypt, i just hope they get it tactically right in the final. Ghana have got every man behind the ball in every match i've seen, knicked a goal and defended for there lives. Hopefully the defence will have an off day.

[Youssef]

I agree. Nothing is a cert in football. However, there are some stats to be reckened:

Ghana: 8 finals (this is their 9th), and 4 titles.

Egypt: 7 finals (this is our 8th), and 6 titles

We usually crash out in the QF (ever since the finals started to have 12 teams, then 16, not just 8).

Now I can assure you that our team is well determined to clinch this one for many reaosns:

1- It's a new world record. No other nation has ever won the continental title 3 times in a row (not sure about the Americas though).

2- No other coach has won it thrice is a row.

3- For many players (El Hadary, Ahmad Hassan, Wael Gomm'a, Hani Sa'eed, El Sakka...) this could be the very last major tournament, and they want to end their international careers in fashion.

4- Ghana's team is pacey as they are made of youngsters (with few experienced players). Egypt's squad is mostly experienced.

5- A 'side' goal for the EGyptians is to prove they desreved to play in the WC finals. They have -so far- beaten 3 of Africa's 5 qualified squads (aside from South Africa who are hosts) and Ghana should be the 4th. Maybe we will then play Cote d'Ivoire in a friendly??

Again, I DO agree fully that overconfidence could cost us dearly, but from what I see and hear NOW on TV, the players are full of respect to Ghana, and are aware that it's not over yet, and won't be until the fat lady sings on the final game.

[the mighty rams]

You fill me with confidence....i like it Fingers crossed.

I dont know who he is, but your bald centre half has really impressed me this tournament.

[vressik]

I like when people are on my side.

Cheers. Egyptians to claim it!

[fkiely]

Ghana - Eygpt

I already backed Ghana to win it outright before the tournament so will probably take a bit of Eygpt @ evens as I believe they should have too much for a Ghana team which relies too much on sneaking a goal and soaking up the pressure. Won't work against a team like Eygpt I don't think.

Eygpt @ evens
A. Gyan first goalscorer @ 8/1

[AntoNescU]

Sport Football (Eng - Prem)
Event Arsenal vs Manchester Utd
Selection Arsenal
Strength 10/10
Date 31/01/2010
Bookmaker/Price Pinnacle Sports @ 2.65 (Back)
Reasoning This year Arsenal will hope for title in Premier League.Although they have more injuries players,they played so far well.Today will be a great match and a true test for Arsenal.For to win the championship,Arsenal must win and with strong teams,such as Manchester.Ferguson will play with one single striker,Rooney,while Wenger said will use the same formation,with 3 strikers, Arshavin-Bendtner-Rosicky.I feel Arsenal can win here,in this team will come back Nasri,Song and Ebou'e.

[AntoNescU]

Sport Football (Internationals)
Event Ghana vs Egypt
Selection Draw
Strength 10/10
Date 31/01/2010
Bookmaker/Price Pinnacle Sports @ 3.32 (Back)
Reasoning Ghana played so far very well in defensive,so I guess will be a balanced match here.So far Ghana won in semifinals 1-0 with Nigeria and in quarterfinals 1-0 with Angola.The other side,Egypt won in semifinals 4-0 with Algeria and 3-1 with Camerun(in extratime).I think the winner will be decided in extratime and maybe after penalties,so I pick draw .

[meatman]

Just like to say well done Egypt for winning this, and for winning 3/3 CAN's in a row!

I had considered you guys @ about 10/1 before the tourney but I didn't believe any team was capable of winning 3/3 along with a few other doubts and the downer of not qualifying for the WC.

Generally very convincing along the way and worth winners, albeit somehow scraped through that QF

I think it's a travesty that this Egypt team, which is clearly a fine 'era' of players never got the chance to play in a world cup Clearly you have been the best team in this continent in the last 5-6 years.

I would much rather have seen you guys than Algeria or some of the other shit nations like Togo who made it to the last WC............................